FOXBORO, Mass. — Bill Belichick seemed focused, to put it politely, during his morning news conference Tuesday.
The New England Patriots head coach wasn’t in the mood to expound with reporters as he prepares his team for Saturday’s tough playoff matchup with the Baltimore Ravens. Belichick didn’t have much to say when asked about facing Ravens defensive coordinator Dean Pees, who served in the same role with the Patriots from 2006 to 2009.
“A lot of teams are — division teams we play twice a year every year,” Belichick said. “I’ve coached with guys, guys I’ve coached with. It’s pretty common. Happens three, four, five times every year. I don’t think it’s anything unusual.”
Pees didn’t return to the Patriots after his contract expired following the 2009 season. He caught on the next season as the Ravens’ linebackers coach before being promoted to coordinator in 2012. The Patriots didn’t have a defensive coordinator in 2010 or 2011, and Matt Patricia took over the role in 2012.
Any advantage the Patriots or Ravens have because of the familiarity between Pees and Belichick likely will cancel out. The Patriots’ defense will look familiar to the Ravens and vice versa.
Belichick did have one light moment when asked if the Ravens’ offensive line cut-blocks.
“Is the Pope Catholic?” Belichick responded with a smirk.
Thumbnail photo via Greg M. Cooper/USA TODAY Sports Images
